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Beach pavilion vision workshop needs public input

Jo Harben
Posted 3/22/17

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – What do you do with a vintage 1920’s beach pavilion in need of renovation? With Lake Geneva water levels so low, what is the best use of the structure?

These are the …

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Beach pavilion vision workshop needs public input


Posted

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – What do you do with a vintage 1920’s beach pavilion in need of renovation? With Lake Geneva water levels so low, what is the best use of the structure?

These are the questions facing the Keystone Heights Heritage Commission, and the seven-member board is asking for your help in deciding the pavilion’s future use.

Last fall, Keystone Heights became the 71st Certified Local Government in Florida, a new status that gives it eligibility for grant money under the Florida Department of State. With that funding source, plus other grants and donations, the Heritage Commission wants to save the landmark building. Architect Don Morgan has proposed upgrades and the City Council has seen his revised blueprint. Plans are underway to renovate the existing structure, with completion set to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of this town’s birth in 2025. But first, the Heritage Commission will recommend to the City Council possible new uses for the antique bath house.

On April 6, at 6:30 p.m., the pavilion will be opened for a public workshop to gather ideas for future uses and to share memories of its past. Light refreshments will be provided. The workshop is open to all who are interested in saving the pavilion, residents and non-residents alike. Attendees are encouraged to bring old photographs of the structure which can be scanned and quickly returned. If you have any stories of events that took place there over the years, we want to hear about it. What year was it? Who provided the entertainment? How large was the crowd?

The beach pavilion first opened on July 1, 1924 for the convenience of patrons of the old Keystone Hotel, located across the street. Once extremely popular, bringing many visitors to our area, the hotel fell into in such bad repair that it had to be demolished in 1999. The beach pavilion still stands only slightly changed from its original appearance. When constructed, it included small dressing rooms around both sides, where a wooden deck now stands and it had a large band shell on top. A second story platform gave the band a place to sit in front of the acoustic-enhancing shell.

According to a memorandum of agreement between the pavilion builder and the Lawrence Developing Company (developers of the entire town), it was to be “a modern bath house, with a hall suitable for dances and moving picture shows, also a tea room.” Furthermore, “this building shall be not less than 30 feet wide facing the land and extending out 50 feet in length and of two stories, and the front of the building shall be of attractive stucco construction. It is also understood that the building shall provide for the care and housing of a public boat livery, including one large cabin power boat.”

Very few community bath houses or pavilions built on Florida lakes during the 1920’s boom period still exist. Our 1924 beach pavilion is a rare and unique structure that the Heritage Commission is working to save for future generations. Please help us by showing up on April 6 and giving us your vision. After the workshop, the commission will make recommendations to the City Council. Most of those new ideas will come from you.